TGN News: Alan Cherry dies at 76
Alan Cherry, one of the most respected and high-profile property developers in the Thames Gateway, has died of cancer aged 76.
Countryside Properties, the company he founded in 1958, was behind some of the Gateway's biggest regeneration projects including Greenwich Millennium Village and St Mary's Island, Chatham.
Click here for tribute on the Countryside Properties website.
Housing group plans £1 billion investment
Swan Housing Group is on target to deliver more than £1billion in regeneration and affordable housing investment in the Thames Gateway.
In 2010 investment by the Essex-based housing group is set to hit the £1billion mark with huge investment in regeneration and affordable housing across East London and Essex.
But unpredictable times ahead during 2010 means the group’s deputy Chief Executive, Mark Thompson, is keeping a clear head on the sorts of challenges that could emerge during the coming months.
Among those challenges are the ongoing uncertainties in the housing market,
the general election and regulatory changes.
He said: ‘It’s an interesting time to be working in the Thames Gateway and a series of factors need to be taken into account for 2010 and beyond. The most significant are the change in political climate that could occur after the general election, but also the spending review and what implications that has for development and regeneration."
Bus station go-ahead
Plans for £6 million new bus station in Chatham - a key element of Medway's regeneration programme - have been given the go-ahead by Medway Council's planning committee. Click here for news release.
Shake-up for Gateway delivery bodies
The Homes and Communities Agency is to take over the powers of Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Coporation (TTGDC).
The move, to achieve "greater efficiency", is the first step in a shake-up of urban development coporations (UDCs) in the Thames Gateway and nationally.
TTGDC is the driving force behind several key regeneration projects, including revived plans by DP World for a 'London Gateway' superport at Thurrock.
The role of a second UDC - the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation - faces review after the London 2012 Olympics.
Thames Gateway minister Shahid Malik said: "The new arrangements will ensure we continue regeneration in these areas during tough times."
See coverage in Other News to the right. Click here for HCA news release
London Gateway superport back on track
DP World, the company behind plans for a massive container port and logistics park at Thurrock, says the scheme will go ahead despite the Dubai financial crisis.
The £1.5 billion project - seen as a key catalyst for investment in the Thames Gateway - was thrown into doubt by the financial turmoil that hit Dubai late last year.
A DP World spokesman told TGN: "The board has reviewed a number of options for the London Gateway project in the light of the current market downturn and is pleased to announce it has decided to proceed with construction of essential infrastructure that lays the foundation of the facility.
"We will continue to review the development of the port and park operations in line with market demand. We have today acquired the remaining 1,000 acres of land for the London Gateway and the Logistics Park and Shell's remaining interests in the project for £136 million."
Following the announcement, the site was visited by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
Gordon Brown said:
"The London Gateway is a significant foreign investment into the UK. It is a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s economic recovery and in this region. UK Trade & Investment and other Government departments have worked closely with DP World over a number of years to make this project possible.
“I am delighted with the decision to locate this world-class project here in the UK. It will help bring the largest deep sea vessels here and improve the efficiency of the UK’s freight distribution, creating thousands of jobs, future growth and economic prosperity.“
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson was among those who worked with DP World secure this investment. He said:
“London Gateway will mean the creation of 36,000 direct and indirect jobs. This project sends a message to companies worldwide that the UK is the number one place in Europe to invest. It is an excellent example of the long-term investment that the UK is looking for.
“Developing our infrastructure will underpin the steps the Government is already taking to stimulate the economy, and will lay the foundations for further advances in the future."
Click here for news release from No 10
See coverage in Other News to the right.